Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

Humidity levels for ABS levels in chrome plating

My question is regarding the acceptable humidity percentage in ABS plastics for chrome plating. I will appreciate if you answer my questions.

Thanks,

Emrah T [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
Research - Tuscaloosa, Alabama, US
2003

---

Well, I worked on a project for a local company and at the end of the project, based on my recommendations, the company decided to chrome plate their parts (small bathroom appliances parts) which are all ABS plastics. In addition, I recommend them to outsource the chrome plating processes and provide them with alternative vendor names. They contacted one of the vendors and started working with them. However, the vendor increased the price per part that they initially offered me saying that the humidity level in the ABS parts are above normal and they had to "dry" the parts before they could plate them. Then, the company asked me to investigate this issue. I made some online research but could not find any information on the acceptable humidity levels of ABS parts for chrome plating operations. I appreciate your help.

Thank you very much.

Emrah T [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
Research - Tuscaloosa, Alabama, US
2003

---

Thanks! According to 'Standards & Guidelines for Electroplated Plastics', "It is of utmost importance when molding for plating that the resin be thoroughly dried prior to molding"--and they go on to say why, and how to assure this. But they do not seem to mention the idea of a plater drying the parts after molding, so I can't find a reference either :-(

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

finishing.com is made possible by ...